Reversible Tool-Less Optical Fiber Cable Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical fiber connector termination methods require tools and result in permanent crimping, leading to errors, increased costs, and inability to reverse the process, which can result in substandard optical performance and unnecessary connector scrapage.
Innovation Solution
A reversible, tool-less cable anchoring system using a cooperating anchor and nut assembly with threads and a collet that compresses the buffered fiber and secures strength members, allowing for tool-free and reversible interengagement without damaging the fiber, enabling reworking of the termination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional crimp eyelet is used to secure the cable to the connector, then the cable is firmly anchored, but the process requires a crimping tool and cannot be reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional single-piece crimp eyelet is segmented into two separate components: an anchor with external threads and a nut with internal threads. This segmentation allows the components to be assembled and disassembled easily while maintaining strong anchoring capability through threaded engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The static, permanent crimp connection is transformed into a dynamic, reversible threaded connection. The anchor and nut can be freely assembled and disassembled multiple times, providing operational flexibility while maintaining secure anchoring when engaged.
2Strength
If a crimping tool is used to install the eyelet, then the cable is securely fastened, but additional costs and tool requirements are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor and nut are designed to be self-assembling through simple threaded engagement. The components serve their own installation function without requiring external crimping tools, eliminating tool costs and simplifying the installation process while maintaining secure anchoring.
3Strength
If the eyelet is crimped with sufficient force to captivate strength members, then the cable is securely held, but the buffered fiber may be damaged and the process cannot be reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring function and fiber clamping function are segmented into separate components. The anchor with collet captures strength members through threaded engagement without requiring excessive force, while the fiber is secured separately by the collet mechanism that applies controlled, uniform pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet acts as an intermediary between the threaded anchor and the buffered fiber. It translates the rotational mechanical advantage of threading into controlled radial compression on the fiber, achieving secure fiber retention without the excessive forces that would damage the fiber.
4Strength
If the connector is permanently crimped, then the cable is securely attached, but the connector cannot be reworked if optical performance is substandard
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent static connection is replaced with a reversible dynamic connection. The threaded anchor and nut can be disassembled and reassembled multiple times, allowing terminations to be reworked if optical performance is substandard while maintaining secure attachment when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible threaded connection allows for recovery and reuse of the connector components. If a termination is substandard, the nut can be removed and the anchor reused with a new fiber termination, eliminating the need to discard the entire connector assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces errors and costs by allowing field termination without tools, enabling reworking of substandard connections, and reducing the need for connector replacement, thereby improving optical performance and extending the life of connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor comprises threads, which facilitate tool-less and reversible interengagement with the nut
Implementation Method 2
a collet, which cooperates with the nut both to compress around the buffered fiber
Implementation Method 3
the nut and collet cooperate to define an interference portion in which the nut deflects the collect inward to constrict the first passage
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber connector for terminating an optical fiber cable containing a buffered fiber, said connector comprising: (a) a housing having a front and rear orientation; (b) an anchor at the rear of said housing, said anchor comprising exterior threads and a collet and defining at least a first passage configured to receive said buffered fiber; (c) a nut having internal threads and being adapted for threaded engagement with said anchor; and wherein said nut and collet cooperate to define an interference portion in which said nut deflects said collect inward to constrict said first passage as said nut is threaded onto said anchor.